On the border of fair deal

What to do with the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the country has long been one of the stumbling blocks to immigration reform.

However, a comprehensive proposal by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, although not perfect, offers fair and reasonable solutions to dealing with our undocumented immigrants and other longstanding immigration concerns.

In the proposal, undocumented immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds and those who pose a threat to national security would be ineligible for legal status and would be deported.

Those without a criminal history could potentially earn a green card if they meet several requirements. They could initially earn a probationary legal status by registering with the government and paying a fine and back taxes. These steps would allow them to live and work legally in the country.

But before those on probationary status can apply for permanent residency, they would have to, among other requirements, pass an additional background check, be currently employed and paying taxes, learn English and civics and demonstrate a work history in the U.S.

Even after fulfilling these requirements, they would have to wait until everyone who is in compliance with the existing law and is waiting in line for a green card gets one; that is they will be asked to get to the back of the line, behind those already trying to get into the country legally.

The only exceptions to the back-of-the line provision would be those who entered the country as minor children, and those who have been working in the U.S. agricultural industry.

A poll commissioned by several conservative organizations shows high support for the proposal among Republicans, although some conservative Republicans, including Sen. Jeff Sessions from Alabama and Chuck Grassley of Iowa, have criticized parts of the proposed framework for immigration reform.

Mr. Sessions, for example, wants reassurance that undocumented immigrants who gain legal status will not have access to federal welfare programs.

Meanwhile, border control, which would be strengthened under the proposal, still remains an X-factor in the success of any immigration reform law.

According to the proposal, for example, undocumented immigrants on probationary status would not be able to file for a green card until the country’s border, particularly along the Southwest border, is secured.

To ensure this happens, the proposal calls for the creation of a commission composed of governors, attorneys general and community leaders from the Southwest border states to monitor security efforts and to make a recommendation when they believe the border has been adequately secured.

That makes sense only if the members of the commission understand that the border cannot be 100 percent secured.

According to some estimates, the U.S. between 2000 and 2010 spent about $90 billion to secure its border with Mexico, and yet for every one illegal immigrant caught, three got through during that period.

Rightfully, the immigration proposal recognized that while border security is of utmost importance, a “humane and effective system” is needed to allow immigrant workers into the country when American workers are not available to fill those jobs.

Among other things, for example, the proposal would allow lower-skilled immigrants into the country when the economy is creating jobs, and fewer when it is not.

Overall, the Senate’s proposal offers a great opportunity for meaningful immigration reform. It is an opportunity, if comprehensive immigration reform is more than just rhetoric, that lawmakers should quickly embrace.